FIRST-STRING Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

first-string

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈstriŋ

Definition of first-string

as in excellent

of the very best kind a first-string rendition of the musical piece

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of first-string If Willis works with the first-string offensive line as expected, he’ll at times be matched up against Chargers interior defensive linemen Teair Tart, Dalvin Tomlinson, Jamaree Caldwell and Justin Eboigbe. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 There was a moment Tuesday morning during walk-throughs when Barron lined up as first-string nickel. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2026 Defensively, the Falcons played much of their first-string front seven, or at least rotational players, throughout the first half. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 15 Aug. 2026 Burrow and the first-string offensive line played two series, with the franchise quarterback going 5 of 6 for 39 yards. — CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for first-string

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string

Adjective

Longbridge is an excellent option, especially for those looking to save money.

— Liz Knueven,Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
Pricing for the conversion starts at 100,000 euros, or roughly $113,670, but does not include the donor 944, which runs around $60,000 in excellent condition, according to Hagerty.

— Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

Served from silver gueridon carts was prime rib, Dover sole meunière, and avocado crab Louis.

— Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 2 Oct. 2026
Regulars return for the rooftop pool (imagine an early 1900s ocean liner), the Knightsbridge zip code, and its prime location across the street from Hyde Park.

— Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of prime

Adjective

Not enough praise can be heaped upon the excellent cast (in addition to those mentioned above, there’s the terrific Nia Otchere-Sarfo and Jordan Rice rounding out the clique).

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026
Ternus seems terrific, but Cook as CEO was so special in so many ways.

— Jim Cramer, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

In East of Eden‘s stellar reviews (the limited series boasts an 85 percent freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes), Pugh in particular is praised for her performance.

— Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2026
There is another extreme consequence of this rapid stellar core shrinkage.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of stellar

Adjective

Fans of modernist architecture will find much else to enjoy, too – not least in Ibirapuera Park, with its striking array of mid-century buildings by Oscar Niemeyer, including the pavilion that now houses the superb Museu Afro Brasil.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 4 Oct. 2026
Whatever the case might be, Kentucky Boy is a really superb bourbon.

— Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

The rich collections do a great job of honoring visual traditions and explaining their connections to real people and real places.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026
Despite deep-rooted tensions between southerners and the PLC, both are in agreement that the Houthi threat is far greater than that of the other.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of great

Adjective

The restaurant serves a lovely breakfast on the veranda overlooking Ocean Drive as well as lunch and light bites in the piano bar in the lobby.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
Then Musgraves, in her first appearance at the VMAs in five years, took over for a lovely solo piano-and-voice performance of Parton’s song.

— Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of lovely

Browse Nearby Words

first-rateness

first-string

firth

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“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of first-string

adjective

Example Sentences

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